Kira stumbled from the bed, collapsing into a chair.
“The Tsavitee told us they could help humans evolve. At the time, we didn’t know how they planned to do that. I’d like to think I would never have allowed it if I knew they would use children, but part of me knows the temptation of a super-soldier would have corrupted my honor. Putting a face on suffering always changes things. I’m not sure I would have been strong enough to do the right thing if I hadn’t met you. My greatest regret in this life is what happened to you and the rest. I’ve spent the years since trying to rectify my mistakes.”
Kira pressed a hand to her chest, trying to stem the emotions boiling inside. She’d be lying to herself if she said she hadn’t ever thought of this possibility.
His appearance that day had been too fortuitous and coincidental.
She’d overlooked it because of how sincere he’d been helping her move forward afterward.
“I killed everyone I could find who had a link to that place. I also know you’ve located several other camps in the years since. I hid your movements from those in the Consortium who would have tried to stop you. Make no mistake, Kira—they would have killed you if they found out.”
Himoto’s voice underlined his sincerity.
“On this disk is everything I’ve compiled over the last decade. I’ve never been able to find the mastermind no matter how hard I look. Perhaps you will do better. Good luck, daughter. I’m proud of the person you’ve become.”
Kira sat for hours beside Himoto’s bedside trying to reconcile everything he’d told her.
Finally, she stood, putting the coin in her pocket and stepping outside.
She paused when she found Jace sitting on the floor, his back against the wall. He looked like he hadn’t slept since the battle, his face gaunt as ghosts haunted his thoughts.
Kira crossed the hallway, sliding down into a sitting position next to him.
“They made me his successor,” Jace confided after several minutes of silence.
Kira grunted. She’d figured as much.
“I don’t know how to do this job like him.” The look in Jace’s eyes was raw and full of pain.
Kira set one hand on his knee and shook it. “You don’t. You do it like you.”
His snicker was soft.
“How are things?” Kira asked.
“Do you mean me or the alliance?” he returned.
Kira lifted a shoulder. “Whichever one you prefer to focus on.”
“I’m surviving. Came out without a scratch, thanks to the admiral. He took the charge of a demon that was meant for me.” Jace’s grin was halfhearted. “Killed it too.”
Kira leaned her head against the wall. “The old man was always a bit of a badass.”
This time Kira caught a note of genuine amusement in Jace’s laugh.
“You could say that again.” Jace shook his head. “As for the alliance—it’s holding by a thread. The Haldeel is giving the Consortium the chance to root out the dissenters, but one stumble and we’re done.”
Jace flipped his hand as if dumping something on the ground. “What a situation to inherit.”
Kira punched him on the shoulder and stood. “You can handle it. Just ask yourself what I would do and do the opposite.”
“Don’t be a stranger,” Jace said as she prepared to leave.
She held up a hand. “I don’t think I could even if I wanted to.”
Realization crossed his face. “That’s right. You’re still part of the Consortium.”
This time, real laughter shook his shoulders as Kira stalked away.
